What does it mean to be a Christian? How should a Christian differ from those in the world around us?
In this study of 1 Corinthains chapter 6, pastor Barry takes us through this chapter vers-by-verse and highlights how Christians should stand out in today’s world in our morality, attitudes and actions. The world is so focussed on its ‘rights’! Everyone is now quick to demand ‘their rights’ even at the expense of another, and sadly this mindset is as prevalent in the church today as it was in the church of Corinth in the 1st century.
However, Paul askes the question, “Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” (1 Cor 6:7). In other words, rather than demanding justice, demanding our rights when someone wrongs us, should we not just leave the matter with the LORD? In the book of Romans, Pauls says: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19).
We are quick to demand what we think we rightfully deserve; but remember that we rightfully deserve the wrath of God, not His grace! It is His grace that has forgiven us a debt we could not pay because Christ paid a debt He did not owe!
The next time someone wrongs you – and they will! – don’t seek retribution or justice, respond by showing grace, the grace imparted to you by His Holy Spirit.
The late Oswald Chambers went to Bible College in Dunoon, Scotland, where the principle was Duncan MacGregor. Oswald Chambers once commented of MacGregor: “I never knew him in a controversy in my life. He always let the other man have it all his way. I have known him to be defrauded over and over again; but I never knew him to be defrauded without knowing it.”
Let that be our witness, showing Grace to those around us because we have received the greatest Grace!
May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.
This teaching was recorded on 19th Novemeber 2023.
